The author asks the simple question: "why do we call cyberspace 'cyberspace'?". There is no physical location required for these disembodied interactions. Chun continues in describing the ownership of "cyberspace" from a private space, that is an expanse-less metaphor for space, owned by government authorities to a publicly accessible form owned by corporations. A binary definition which leaves little room for gradation. The concept humans used to comprehend this interconnected network of networks was through science fiction works. Cyberspace, in these works, was navigable - that is, the characters moved through its virtual reality much like video game characters - and tangible, and its size and scope were visible to the user. The use of the term Cyberspace is an abstraction of the technicality of the Internet. This abstraction manipulates the user to believe they are truly navigating a vast environment. This environment possesses even more abstraction as it uses names as virtually meaningless variables for human understanding. This area has been declared an area of freedom thanks to its name. This may be misleading. Cyberspace is build on memory and space as opposed to time like previous media. The Internet is a vulnerable space in that flooding, hacking, and otherwise harmful actions may occur perpetuated by its settlers (hackers) who claimed that environment. The cyberspace culture takes place in reality while all its signs and effects take place outside of it. This Internet does more than mirror reality. It is its own simulacra giving a person more importance than in real life. Chun mentions how the code is law. That is to say that once the code is established, users and programmers abide by it and create according to it. Even open codes are controlling as the final say relies on a certain power figure, whether by the government or a private "open" corporation. Therefore, the Internet is not a free playground. The Internet is a tool which those who are oppressed can use to be empowered. The Internet is the most efficient medium for communications. This is why humans, as suppressed beings, are driven to use the medium.
The new home of Mind is the following online applications: skyrock, digg, skyblog, myspace, youtube, facebook, livejournal, blogger, etc. They demand an implication of the user and his mind into his actions online. These are examples of the simulacra created to protect users' privacy although they often appear as a window into their lives. The medium is a liberation where users can reclaim their freedom. She questions who owns the Internet and how much freedom we have online. Is it truly open to any discussion? Is the content truly always 'there' for us to peruse? Website owners can take away content at any time, thus taking away the concept of public content. Discussions are more often than not moderated by individuals who censor content or take it off the site when it is not compliant with their own bias/position. When content is limited or available only through special conditions, it may require special permissions or payment to access. The internet satisfies the futuristic desire to teleport. It morphs space and time like a teleporting time machine. Humans get instant satisfaction from participating in cyberspace activities. We can see democracy on website like wikipedia where user have a grade depend of there implication and good reviews. We can also see a lot of of other examples like digg, deviantart (good example of freedom), newgrounds and forum but each website still with laws and regimentation. We think that the following phrase, "This virtual passing promises [...] to protect our "real" bodies and selves from the glare of publicity", is dated. Online advertising is more present than ever at this time, and young girls and young guys are faced with images of perfect bodies and perfect lives, thus telling them that they must change in order to be popular, etc.
Could the Internet be qualified as the first step to a "real" cyberspace? Is it merely a test to improve users' literacy regarding a bigger "place"?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment